Ultrathin polycarbonate panels for security isolation cells

Abstract

The present invention provides ultrathin polycarbonate panels for use in security isolation cells to provide a transparent and secure barrier between a prisoner and a guard, where the barrier passes flammability test ASTM E-84 Class A. The panel comprises at least one polycarbonate sheet having a thickness between 0.25 mm and 1 mm. Panels may optionally include a metal support and a frame, and the frame may overbite (edge bite) a portion of the polycarbonate panel, and all points of the polycarbonate panel may be located within four frame widths of the frame.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A panel comprising:
 a polycarbonate sheet; and   metal support;   wherein the polycarbonate sheet has a thickness of 0.25 mm-1 mm.   
     
     
         18 . The panel of  claim 17 , wherein the metal support is selected from the group consisting of a wire screen, wire mesh, thin metal strips in a lattice configuration and bars. 
     
     
         19 . The panel of  claim 17 , wherein the metal support is positioned to provide support to the polycarbonate sheet, in case of an impact upon the polycarbonate sheet. 
     
     
         20 . The panel of  claim 17 , further comprising a frame, wherein the polycarbonate sheet is secured to the frame. 
     
     
         21 . The panel of  claim 17 , wherein the polycarbonate sheet has a thickness of 0.50 mm-0.75 mm. 
     
     
         22 . The panel of  claim 17 , wherein the majority of points of the polycarbonate sheet are located at a distance from the frame, of no greater than 4 times the width of frame. 
     
     
         23 . The panel of  claim 17 , wherein all points of the polycarbonate sheet are located at a distance from the frame, of no greater than 4 times the width of frame. 
     
     
         24 . The panel of  claim 17 , wherein the polycarbonate sheet has a molecular weight of 25,000 to 36,000 g/mol. 
     
     
         25 . The panel of  claim 24 , wherein the polycarbonate sheet has a molecular weight of 28,000 to 34,000 g/mol. 
     
     
         26 . The panel of  claim 25 , wherein the polycarbonate sheet has a molecular weight of 30,000 to 32,000 g/mol. 
     
     
         27 . The panel of  claim 20  wherein the polycarbonate sheet has two sides and the frame comprises two plates that are pressed against each of the two sides of the polycarbonate sheet. 
     
     
         28 . The panel of  claim 27  wherein the plates comprise metal. 
     
     
         29 . The panel of  claim 27  wherein a portion of the polycarbonate sheet is held within a majority of the frame. 
     
     
         30 . The panel of  claim 29 , wherein a portion of the polycarbonate sheet is held completely within the frame. 
     
     
         31 . A security isolation cell comprising a panel of  claim 17 . 
     
     
         32 . A panel comprising:
 a polycarbonate sheet; and   a frame;   wherein the polycarbonate sheet has a thickness of 0.25 mm-1 mm, and   wherein the polycarbonate sheet is secured to the frame.   
     
     
         33 . The panel of  claim 32 , wherein the polycarbonate sheet has a thickness of 0.50 mm-0.75 mm. 
     
     
         34 . The panel of  claim 32 , wherein the majority of points of the polycarbonate sheet are located at a distance from the frame, of no greater than 4 times the width of frame. 
     
     
         35 . The panel of  claim 34 , wherein all points of the polycarbonate sheet are located at a distance from the frame, of no greater than 4 times the width of frame. 
     
     
         36 . The panel of  claim 32 , wherein the polycarbonate sheet has a molecular weight of 25,000 to 36,000 g/mol. 
     
     
         37 . The panel of  claim 36 , wherein the polycarbonate sheet has a molecular weight of 28,000 to 34,000 g/mol. 
     
     
         38 . The panel of  claim 37 , wherein the polycarbonate sheet has a molecular weight of 30,000 to 32,000 g/mol. 
     
     
         39 . The panel of  claim 32  wherein the polycarbonate sheet has two sides and the frame comprises two plates that are pressed against each of the two sides of the polycarbonate sheet. 
     
     
         40 . The panel of  claim 39  wherein the plates comprise metal. 
     
     
         41 . The panel of  claim 39  wherein a portion of the polycarbonate sheet is held within a majority of the frame. 
     
     
         42 . The panel of  claim 39 , wherein a portion of the polycarbonate sheet is held completely within the frame. 
     
     
         43 . A security isolation cell comprising a panel of  claim 32 .